Cloud Computing Development Plan in ITSC Information Technology Services Centre, CUHK
Agenda Introduction What is Cloud Computing? Definition Concept Benefits Examples Services Smart Card Application Document Management System Web & Application Hosting E-service: Desktop Management System Other Applications
What is Cloud Computing?
Definition Clouds are a large pool of easily usable and accessible virtualized resources, such as hardware, development platforms and/or services. These resources can be dynamically assigned to adjust to a variable load, allowing also for an optimum resource utilization. This pool of resources is typically exploited by a pay-per-use model in which guarantees are offered by the Infrastructure Provider by means of customized SLAs. Vaquero, L. M., Rodero-Merino, L., Caceres, J., and Lindner, M.. A break in the clouds: Towards a cloud definition. Strategic Management Journal, 22.2009
Definition Cloud computing is a term used to describe both a platform and type of application. A cloud computing platform dynamically provisions, configures, reconfigures, and deprovisions servers as needed. It also describes applications that are extended to be accessible through the Internet. These cloud applications use large data centers and powerful servers that host Web applications and Web services. Anyone with a suitable Internet connection and a standard browser can access a cloud application. Greg Boss, Padma Malladi, Dennis Quan, Linda Legregni, Harold Hall. Cloud Computing, IBM Corporation, 2007
Definition So Cloud Computing is: Using internet to access technology-based services Massively scalable and virtualized resources are provided as a service A centralized platform (cloud) can be more easily and ubiquitously accessed Increasing its value by enabling opportunities for enhanced collaborations, integration and analysis on a shared common platform.
Concept Key component: the Cloud
Concept Clients Processing Return data request in to the clients for cloud services
Concept Internal and External Cloud Internal Cloud External Cloud
Inside the cloud Concept
Concept The cloud can provide Application Processing Storage Infrastructure
Concept Simply tell the cloud your needs
Reduced Cost Benefits No need to spend expensive initial investment on purchasing expensive equipment and software No need to hire IT staff for system management and maintenance No need to consider the space and physical security of equipment Increased Flexibility Services are in on-demand model Subscribed and expanded according to needs
Benefits Increased Reliability Easier for ITSC staff to manage upgrades, maintenance, backups, disaster recovery and failover functions, etc due to consolidation of hardware and software resources. Increased Cost-effectiveness System resources are dynamically allocated according to the scale of usage thus resources can be better utilized Software resources are reusable for applications of similar needs
Example of Cloud Computing One-stop services External Cloud Various software Google Doc Spyware Doctor Picasa Adobe Reader
Example of Cloud Computing One-stop Services
Example of Cloud Computing Google Doc
Example of Cloud Computing Drawbacks of External Cloud Data processed and stored in network outside Chances for data to be viewed or used without authorization Policy depends on external provider Integrity and security of data cannot be ensured Services provided may not be stable and continuous Standardized functions No tailor-made features to cater every needs
Example of Cloud Computing Data Security IT Policy Internal Cloud Data in ITSC, higher security with strict authorization Policy tailored for CUHK, backup and support External Cloud Data in outside network, threat to unauthorized view and use Policy depends on outsider, no promise in services Tailor-made function Cater needs and characteristics of CUHK, i.e. Collegiate system Standardized function, cannot cater different needs
Services
Smart Card Application Started in 1999, CU Link with contact chip only Same technology as the HKID card Upgrade to hybrid cards in 2009 with two chips in a card Contact: Higher security Contactless: Faster reaction With digital certificate issued by CA of ITSC
Smart Card Application Examples of application Door and entrance access control Attendance taking for seminars, conferences, activities, etc. E-purse for small payment such as laundry and air-con
Smart Card Application Online Add Value System
Benefits Smart Card Application Efficiency To handle administrative functions with higher flexibility and less resources Security Students identity can be ensured
Document Management System (DMS) Special features Comprehensive document lifecycle and workflow Ensuring the data integrity to implement document check-in/check-out function Information Lifecycle Create Check in/out Modify Review Approve Publish Retire
Document Management System (DMS) Special features Versioning control and management of documents Sophisticated document digital signing and approval processes Comprehensive access control Versioning Access Edit: HR Read: World
Document Management System (DMS) Benefits Save up office space for storage Reduced manpower and time in file management Search engine allows efficient searching of documents Process from creation to disposal of documents are automated Improved document access rights control No need to worry about access rights of documents Access records are easily to be retrieved
Web Application Hosting Provides server space to house web-based applications and associated database 365 x 7 x 24 hours system monitoring Daily data backup Protected by firewall FTP account for web site update Database administration OS administration
Web Application Hosting Subscriptions: Shared Mode WebApps hosting on a shared server Transaction volumes: low to medium Server Mode (upcoming) A virtual server to your own Transaction volume: large 2-node MS cluster service (upcoming) Active and Passive Servers For Crucial WebApps (e.g. registration system) Transaction volume: large
Web Application Hosting E-Learning Cluster and Video Cluster For all Teaching Development Grant (TDG) and elearning projects A central pool of teaching materials elearning software and applications Audio clips for language courses, video tapings of lecture series etc. Large volume streaming Virtualized servers
Web Application hosting Benefit: It s better Reliability 365 x 7 x 24 hours system monitoring 2-node MS SQL Cluster Service Security Data backup, Firewall Protection Database, OS Management
Web Application Hosting Benefit: It s costs saving Saving resources for better services Reduced hardware cost Servers, Power, Space, etc. Reduced maintenance cost IT Staff Subscription plans tailored-made to needs A large expensive server for a small web application?
Web Application Hosting Benefit (cont d): Flexibility Changing business needs Services on demand Accommodating peak transaction volumes Accommodating WebApp developed on different platforms Windows 2003 Server, RedHat 5 IIS, MySQL, PHP,.NET, MS SQL Server
E-services A range of economical and convenient solutions Tailored for the specific needs of individual departments Examples of services e-mail, collaborative calendaring and scheduling functions using Microsoft Exchange 2003 File storage and data backup
E-services: Desktop Management System
Other Applications Content Management System (CMS) Online Booking Systems Attendance Taking System Assembly eticketing System Online Event Management System Online Payment Gateway Website Development enewsletter esurvery Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Contact Information For services details Judy Cheung, 2609 8920, judy-cheung@cuhk.edu.hk Carol Chiu, 2609 8823, carol-chiu@cuhk.edu.hk For E-learning Cluster and Video Cluster elearning@cuhk.edu.hk
Q & A